Study Explains Link Between Concussions and Poor School Performance
Concussions have been in the news frequently due to record numbers of student athletes receiving brain injuries. However, a lot can still be said about the effects these injuries can have on children.
A study recently published in the journal Pediatrics shows that children who have experienced concussions could have difficulty concentrating and paying attention in school.
To gather data for the study, researchers reviewed the academic records of 349 students aged 5 to 18 and recently diagnosed with concussions. Out of the 349 children, 77 percent reported problems concentrating, taking notes and completing homework assignments. Almost all of the children, 88 percent, reported feeling headaches and fatigue.
In some cases, the symptoms lasted for weeks or longer. As more information becomes available showing the impact concussions have on grades and acceptance to college, we will update our blog.
Do Concussions Have Permanent Effects on Children?
One major point of concern listed in the study is that high school aged children reported having the greatest difficulty concentrating and healing from concussions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, high school football players account for 47 percent of all sports-related concussions. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports a 200 percent increase in concussion-related emergency room visits among teenagers 14 to 19 in the last decade.
Not everyone who sustains a concussion will make a full recovery. Research on concussions has found a link to chronic traumatic encephalopathy later in life. CTE is a degenerative brain disease that can cause behavioral problems as well as early-onset dementia.
Our readers can continue to learn more about brain injuries in children by following our blog or by continuing to explore our website.
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Tags: BrainInjury
